Education Consulting Market By Service Type (Higher Education Consulting, Career Counseling, K-12 Education Consulting, Test Preparation Services, Institutional Consulting including Curriculum Development and Policy Reform); By Mode of Delivery (Offline Consulting, Online or Virtual Consulting); By End-User (Students and Parents, Educational Institutions, Corporations); By Geography (Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032).

The education consulting market was USD 3.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 7.6 billion in the forecast period from 2024 to 2030 at a CAGR of 10.8%. The market has been expanding due to trends such as the globalization of education, demand for competency-based education, and institutional change that addresses the need for quality and workforce education.

 

The education consulting market involves selling expert services that allow one to navigate the systems and make correct decisions concerning education and further career, management of educational establishments, development of curricula, etc., and opportunities to receive education abroad. Education consulting services are essential as changes in society, economy, technologies, and students’ and institutions’ demands frequently occur due to increased globalization and personalized learning.

 

Market Drivers

Rising Demand for International Education: The growth of international university education has led to the rise in consulting firms that aid students in choosing universities, visa procurement, finance, and exams. Example: According to the latest statistics, in 2023, over 6 million students from around the world participated in education abroad programs, and education consultants guided them from application to admission. Demand rose for consulting services, as 75% of student inflow originated from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK.

 

Technological Integration in Education: AI and data analytics, in particular, have changed the very idea of educational consulting, as EdTech solutions can propose personalized recommendations based on students' profiles. Example: An American consulting agency adopted AI-based tools into its practice in 2022 and noted a 40% boost in successful admissions for its clients.

 

Government Initiatives and Institutional Reforms: Globalizations are channeling their resources towards the education sector to enhance quality, accessibility, and employment and to identify opportunities for consultancy firms in policy formulation and management of institutions. Example: India’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 focused on skill development and rationalization, resulting in an increase in demand for consultancy for curriculum building.

 

Increasing Focus on Career-Oriented Learning: Students and parents are opting for useful educational routes within their fields of interest, thus the increasing need for consultants in the career and industry sectors. Example: An organization operating in the UK pointed to a 30% increase in the orders on career-oriented education consulting services provided in 2023.

 

Expanding Market for Test Preparation Services: Standardized test preparation services for tests like the SAT, GRE, IELTS, and TOEFL have emerged as another major service for these education consultants, especially those operating in developing countries. In the year 2023, among all service segments, test preparation services generated the highest percentage of global education consulting revenues, with 45%.

 

Market Opportunities

Growth in Emerging Markets: Higher disposable income has been realized globally, literacy levels are improving, and the middle-class population is expanding in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, to name but a few, as the primary unexplored opportunities for education consulting firms. Example: The Asia-Pacific was the largest source region, contributing 61% of the total outbound students; of which, India and China alone had taken 40% shares in international higher education—thus, it held a vast potential for consulting companies.

 

Corporate Partnerships and Employee Education Programs: Directing companies to offer employee training and skill development training has become a new tendency. Example: In 2022, a consulting firm from the USA worked for a tech company, developing an effective employee upskilling program that helped it increase its top line by 15%.

 

Expanding Scope of Online Consulting Services: Some of the changes include growth in the use of virtual consultations and conductance of webinars, hence extending their services delivery to clients geographically dispersed. Example: A European firm in 2023 developed an online counseling platform; the company expanded the client base by 50 percent in one year.

 

Market Restraints

High Cost of Consulting Services: These education consulting services may be costly, making them difficult to access for lower-income clients.

 

Fragmented Market Structure: Due to many tiny and inexperienced players clients find it hard to determine which service provider to approach.

 

Dependence on International Mobility: Political influences such as visa restrictions, diplomatic relations, or breaks between certain countries may affect the market, especially for firms operating internationally in education consulting.

 

Market Segmentation

By Service Type:

• Higher Education Consulting

• Career Counseling

• K-12 Education Consulting

• Test Preparation Services

• Institutional Consulting (Curriculum Development, Policy Reform)

 

By Mode of Delivery:

• Offline Consulting

• Online/Virtual Consulting

 

By End-User:

• Students and Parents

• Educational Institutions

• Corporations

 

By Region:

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Segment Analysis of Education Consulting Market

By Service Type:

Leading Segment: Higher Education Consulting

Higher education consulting is the leading segment in the education consulting market, holding the largest market share. This segment focuses on assisting students with college admissions, scholarship applications & university selection. As competition for spots at top-tier universities grows, the demand for higher education consulting services has surged. This segment contributes the most to the market due to the increasing number of international students seeking guidance for higher education. Top education consulting firms like IvyWise and The Princeton Review are dominant in this space, helping students navigate the complexities of university applications and admissions.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Career Counseling

Career counseling is quickly becoming the most popular part of the education consulting market. As the job market changes & there's more focus on matching education with career goals, more students are looking for professional advice on career paths, internships & opportunities after graduation. This growth is due to rising concerns about employment rates, skill development, and job satisfaction. Many career counseling services are now focusing on new industries, like tech and green jobs, which is driving the rapid growth of this segment as these industries need more qualified talent.

 

By Mode of Delivery:

Leading Segment: Online/Virtual Consulting

Online/virtual consulting has emerged as the leading mode of delivery in the education consulting market, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to remote services. Online consulting offers flexibility, accessibility, and broader reach for students and institutions across the globe. Consulting firms like CollegeVine & Bright Horizons have capitalized on this trend by offering virtual consulting sessions for college admissions, career counseling, and test preparation, making it a popular choice for clients worldwide. This mode has become integral in global markets, especially for students in remote or underserved areas.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Offline Consulting

Offline consulting is the fastest-growing delivery mode in education consulting, especially in regions with a high demand for personalized, face-to-face guidance. Although virtual consulting dominates in terms of volume, offline consulting is gaining traction in certain demographics, where students and parents still prefer in-person meetings for more personalized interactions. Traditional educational consulting agencies, particularly in regions like Asia & the Middle East, are experiencing growth as they cater to families who value direct communication & local knowledge.

 

By End-User:

Leading Segment: Educational Institutions

Educational institutions are the leading end-user in the education consulting market, making up a significant portion of the market share. Schools, colleges, and universities engage consultants for institutional improvements, curriculum development, policy reforms & student recruitment. Consulting firms provide guidance on enhancing the educational experience, improving teaching methods & addressing systemic issues within institutions. For example, major consultancy firms like McKinsey & Company and Deloitte are heavily involved in advising educational institutions on strategic growth, policy reform, and organizational management.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Students and Parents

The students and parents segment is the fastest-growing in the education consulting market, driven by the increasing demand for college admissions services, career counseling, and academic support. As the importance of higher education & career success grows, students and their families are increasingly turning to education consultants for guidance on applying to universities, preparing for standardized tests, and navigating scholarship opportunities. The demand is particularly high in emerging markets where middle-class families are prioritizing quality education for their children.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest market share in the education consulting market, particularly in the United States & Canada. The demand for education consulting services is driven by a highly competitive education system, with parents & students seeking guidance on college admissions, career paths & academic success. Major players in this market, such as Kaplan & The Princeton Review, cater to a large & diverse clientele, further solidifying North America's position as the leader. Additionally, North America has a strong presence of educational institutions that require consulting services for improving curriculum & student outcomes.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the education consulting market, driven by the increasing demand for higher education consulting, career counseling, and academic support in countries like China, India, and Japan. As more students pursue higher education abroad, particularly in Western countries, the need for education consulting services has surged. Moreover, growing economies and a rising middle class in the region are pushing demand for quality education, making Asia-Pacific a key growth driver in the education consulting sector. The growing emphasis on global education and career success is likely to keep this region as the fastest-growing market in the coming years.

 

Key Players

• IDP Education

• The Princeton Review

• Kaplan, Inc.

• Crimson Education

• Educational Testing Service (ETS)

• Aegis Advisors

• Eduworld Group

• The Red Pen

• Veritas Prep

• Jamboree Education

 

Education Consulting Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 3.7 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 7.6 billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 10.8%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2023 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Service Type, By Mode of Delivery, By End-User, By Region
By Service Type	Higher Education Consulting, Career Counseling, K-12 Education Consulting, Test Preparation Services, Institutional Consulting (Curriculum Development, Policy Reform)
By Mode of Delivery	Offline Consulting, Online or Virtual Consulting
By End-User	Students and Parents, Educational Institutions, Corporations
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, etc.
Key Market Drivers	Rising demand for international education, technological integration in education, government initiatives and institutional reforms, increasing focus on career-oriented learning, and expanding market for test preparation services.
Major Players	McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group, Bain & Company, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, L.E.K. Consulting, Deloitte, PA Consulting Group, Nous Group, CIL Management Consultants.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

 

Future Outlook

The global education consulting market is anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years due to demands such as globalization of education, vocational education, and increased technological developments. Pacific Asia, Latin American, and Middle East emerging economies are expected to provide significant directions to the market with mobility factors and institutional changes.

 

It is believed that manufacturers committed to digital transformation and affordable bespoke solutions will be the primary winners of this arrangement. As per the forecast, education consulting services will become elementary to the education plan, especially with regard to career progression, for millions of people worldwide by 2030.